It was a close call for Memphis police officers Tuesday morning after gunmen opened fire on them with a military-style assault rifle.

The officers came under fire while trying to stop two men they believed were about to rob a car detailing shop in Cordova.

Eyewitness News talked to police about the dangerous weapons. Police say an AR-15 assault rifle is not the type of weapon an officer wants to see pointed in his or her direction says tactical officer Chavis Davis.

“When we pull this out we mean business,” Davis says.

Davis says the AR-15 is capable of firing 600 shots per minute and has but one purpose -- to kill.

“This is our last resort,” Davis says speaking of the assault weapon.

The gun used in Tuesday morning's shooting badly damaged three Memphis cruisers and nearly killed several officers. The gunman, police say, also had a specially designed clip that held 110 bullets